Terrel "Terry" John Porter

Terrel John Porter passed away on October 8, 2023 at the age of 85, with his bride of 64 years by his side. Terry grew up in Preston, ID, but claimed Thatcher as home during the summer months when school was out. He spent time in Thatcher helping on the family farm, and going on many fishing adventures. During his teen years, he enjoyed boxing and playing basketball.  He graduated from Preston High School in 1957. After high school graduation, Terry served as a missionary in the Montreal Toronto, Canada Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, under the leadership of President Thomas S. Monson, who kept in touch over the years and was a lifelong friend. Upon returning home, he didn’t wait long to marry the love of his life, Arlene Balling. Together, they raised 5 daughters and one son. Terry taught his children to work hard, and it wasn’t uncommon for him to drop them off at a job site for a full day of work when they were young. He’d offer to pay them a few pennies, but more importantly he’d promise to come pick them up when the job was done. As his children grew, married, and had children of their own, he fell in love with each and every one of his 21 grandkids. While they all hated his kisses, he knew exactly how to make each of them feel like a million bucks! He taught all of his grandkids about horses and how to fish. He was clever and could get anyone to do anything for him. He especially loved bribing his grandkids and more recently his great grandkids. Somehow, he manipulated all of them into thinking it was fun to give him foot massages when they were young, with the use of markers and lotion. Holidays with Terry were always fun, and included his famous baked beans, along with 2 TVs in the living room playing 2 different ballgames to watch at the same time. Terry was a jack of all trades, he was an electrician, an inventor, an investor, a salesman, a farmer, a businessman, he bred and trained horses, and he was always a dreamer on a mission, and no one could get in his way! He also loved a good debate about politics or religion. Terry loved his family, and he loved his neighbors and close friends…most of the time. He made friends easily, and was someone who helped give many others a second chance. He saw potential in people, that they themselves couldn’t see. He was generous, charitable, and giving. 

Terry is survived by his wife Arlene; his children Tara and Pete Bellender,  Bret and Jody Rasmussen, Steve and Jamie Stevens, Rob and Tonya Weston, Zane and Danielle Porter, and Dick and Autumn Coats; 21 of his grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; his siblings Paula, Steven, and Peggy, and so many more. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nahum and Fonnete Porter; his in-laws, Beth and Arnold Balling; a granddaughter, Stevie Lee Stevens; a brother-in-law David Lemmon and Lyle Saxton, a very close family friend. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Riverdale 2^nd Ward Chapel, 3562 N. 1600 E. Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held Thursday from 6- 8 pm at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston and again prior to the services Friday from 10:30-11:30 at the church. Interment will be in the Riverdale Hillcrest Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

Services may be viewed by clicking on the following link:

https://youtu.be/p507WPCwf_4